Dollywood Discussion Thread

Is that from this morning? I'm surprised none of the rides have a wait yet for today! It's going to be a beautiful day looks like.. maybe everyone was at LR haha.. LR wasn't down long though, I see it just switched back from TC to under 15 mins

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

WE HAVE ROLLLLLLLBACCCCCCKKKK!

Actual roll back on the hill or did it shut down before the launch?

When it did that last year (assuming it just shut down before the launch) it was generally a good sign that you were completely, 100% f*cked so the fact that they have it up and running this fast is great to see.

WE HAVE ROLLLLLLLBACCCCCCKKKK!

 

Actual roll back on the hill or did it shut down before the launch?

Exactly, this is what kept giving it a bad name last year.. while I guess it is technically still a rollback, it wasn't like the train made it halfway up the hill and just didn't have the power to crest the top.. Some safety feature or something shut it down before the launch hill could even start the launch

Most of them last year had signs of being shutdown right when the train hit the hill launch. I don't really consider these a rollback myself..

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Actually, it did only make it halfway up the hill, it was definitely a rollback, not a refusal to launch.

They ran it a few times empty and all went back to normal in about 30 minutes, I was one of the first public riders.

Most of them last year had signs of being shutdown right when the train hit the hill launch. I don't really consider these a rollback myself..

Which is why I asked. I think the shutdown before launch is likely indicative of different problems than not cresting the hill.

Exactly, it is good to see they got it going without much downtime today though

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Actually, it did only make it halfway up the hill, it was definitely a rollback, not a refusal to launch.

 

They ran it a few times empty and all went back to normal in about 30 minutes, I was one of the first public riders.

Which is probably why they got it going fairly quickly.. last year, it didn't have many true roll backs.. all launched coasters have a roll back every now and then.. when they had the refusal to launch issues last year ( it still went up the lift about 10ft or so) it was down most of the day.. I'm assuming due to actual issues then haha

Looks like it has gone down again though and park looks like it is getting fairly busy.. this time last year was one of their record breaking days with over 35000 guest haha.. so I'm surprised it isn't busier though

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Exactly, it is good to see they got it going without much downtime today though

 

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Yes, this was more like a routine launch issue, perhaps not enough power at first. LSMs can be a bit finicky, I'm just glad they got the sensor issues fixed.

Lightning Rod is back up! Also the picture dude just farted! Updates as they happen....

Something interesting about the trunks on LR I heard from a ride operator today:

Evidently, they leave them off so that they can use the battery pack to evac people (A process I had the fortune of seeing, early this AM). This made sense to me at first, but surely RMC thought of this.. furthermore I believe the trunk actually has a hatch that can be opened to access such input.

Honestly, I think this just further rehashes the point that ride ops are just (for the most part) glorified GP with the keys to the castle. I'm not trying to be condescending, but the more you talk to them the more you realize it. But hey, it's not exactly a bad thing. I tend to avoid being overly nerdy or chatty with ride ops, it's just awkward... in this case, they actually butted into an existing conversation with someone else.

Guessing it's easier with the trunk off. And when it was started having problems last year they pulled them off.

Now waiting to see it running well enough to put them back on.

Something interesting about the trunks on LR I heard from a ride operator today:

 

Evidently, they leave them off so that they can use the battery pack to evac people (A process I had the fortune of seeing, early this AM). This made sense to me at first, but surely RMC thought of this.. furthermore I believe the trunk actually has a hatch that can be opened to access such input.

 

Honestly, I think this just further rehashes the point that ride ops are just (for the most part) glorified GP with the keys to the castle. I'm not trying to be condescending, but the more you talk to them the more you realize it. But hey, it's not exactly a bad thing. I tend to avoid being overly nerdy or chatty with ride ops, it's just awkward... in this case, they actually butted into an existing conversation with someone else.

Yeah, can't really trust ride ops haha.. plus, last year when the ride was having major issues, maintenance even made them leave the station. At that time, most were honest and said they had no idea what the issues are because they couldn't stay..

Eventually, just like any job, people start "talking" which turns into rumors lol

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Cool story Pete Owens shared from a local media person. Going to Dollywood could save your life!

Wow, this is moving and motivational, truly.

I was there on pass-holder preview day and remember seeing a golf cart type thing equipped with a gurney, I wonder if that's why it was there.

Also on the topic of trunks, you can clearly see them below the station if you're on the transfer track/final brake run.. just look down and to the left. And while we're talking about things they removed from the trains, when it debuted, it also had a windshield type thing on the front car.. they did a botch job of chopping it off and sloppily painting over it.

The website says anyone over 200 lbs may have trouble (yet 290 me was able to ride every time). But it seems like odds of riding are pretty darn high this year compared to last year when it was a complete crap shoot!

MAY have problems. Depends on your built too.

6' @ 200lbs is a lot different than 5'9 @ 200.

They are trying to get a wider range thinking and checking.

The website says anyone over 200 lbs may have trouble (yet 290 me was able to ride every time). But it seems like odds of riding are pretty darn high this year compared to last year when it was a complete crap shoot!

 

MAY have problems. Depends on your built too.

6' @ 200lbs is a lot different than 5'9 @ 200.

 

They are trying to get a wider range thinking and checking.

I'm sure it goes for any RMC (as well as Lightning Run at KK). I think as long as your stomach doesn't stop the bar from coming down far enough onto your lap, you're pretty golden. Can't go completely off of weight.

Below are photos from the Dollywood Opening Day Media Tour. I hope you all enjoy them. It was a faboulous day with great shows, good running rides, a little cold but a lot of great experiences.

I do apologize for the delay in posting this. I have been sick, wife and kids extremely sick as well as other family emergencies. Basically one thing after another. Never the less, I hope you enjoy and please let me know if you have any question... enjoy

- David

Good morning Dollywood, this was the 1st sight I saw when I pulled into the parking lot. What a very nice surprise. It was said they topped it off the day before opening day.

2017 Park Map

Showstreet was looking good as always

Welcome to Festival of Nations!

Our 1st stop was the Mother Africa show at the Celebrity Theater. I will honestly say, I wasn't quite sure about this show before it started but after... WOW!!

Cast members warming up!

This show was absolutely amazing! I will definitely be back to see it with the family. There is something for everyone in it! Well done Dollywood.

After the show, we were offered a Q and A with the performers of Mother Africa.

2nd part of the media tour for opening day.

Dollywood's marketing team talked about the new festivals and programs coming up in 2017. Especially the Illuminights! Very exciting!

Craig Ross spoke about Dollywood and the economical impact the park has on the economy of Sevier County and East Tennessee. He said they were way ahead of projections of their impacts.

Next stop was lunch at the new Front Porch Cafe (Former Backstage Restaurant). We were treated to a nice salad, sandwich and desert. This was well presented and tasted fabulous. Well done Dollywood Food's team!!! Be sure to stop by Front Porch Cafe and give them a try!

Dollywood Provided Economic Impact Graphic - Very interesting!

Next stop was a quick tour of the Drop Line / Whistle Punk Chaser attractions. While we were getting started, there was a medical emergency with a member of the tour group. Dollywood's staff was quick to jump in and assist the gentleman. Amazing job by the team!!

230ft in the sky. This should make a very nice view of the smokies!

Whistle Punk Chaser coming along in the former playground area. These 2 new attractions should bring a nice change to this area.

Some more Drop line goodness.

Some nice new paint!

Lye Soap is back, next to the glass shop!

During the Media Trip Report I mentioned the Blown Glass shop was expanding, well here is the final product!

Looking good!

Lightning Rod was down most of the morning, finally opening around 5pm. I was able to ride the back and front seat! What a great, wild ride!

After that we walked down Craftsmans Valley to view some of the updates that have happened. Not clearly visible in this photo, but it appears they have added more lighting to the valley.

Some Mystery Mine love!

Sideshow Spin is gone. They have created a more open space to help ease the traffic in this area while creating a nice park like setting with additional seating! It was a nice change.

New artificial turf was added around Country Fair area.

The arcade in the tunnel was closed No cranes during this walk through.

I had to pass on the festival food, even though I didn't want to! It smelled delicious.

Some of the new theme to Timber Canyon.

Timber Canyon

They have opened up the area alot. This area is where the old rain maker show was. It is now home to what appears to be an area where kids can play in a make shift, bucket/pan band. Pretty cute idea.

New props

The grave yard is back and better

Thunderhead love!

More theme. The walk to Timber Canyon is much better now. Wider path, more theme/props and more lighting.

Lastly, one last show. Thank you Dollywood for a great day. If this day was any clue how 2017 will be, you all will have a fantastic year! Thank you for inviting us to be your guest for the day, we really enjoy it.

The Craftsman's area of the Mountain Blown Glass!

I'm amazed at how far folks will travel to come to Dollywood. I have lived within 45 minutes of the park for over 38 years and I was wondering what is the longest distance anyone's has traveled to Dollywood?

While I don't expect to be the big winner here, we live 12 hours away and have had Season Passes for years. We make the road trip all the time and in most instances we only have time to go to the park for a day and then leave.

While I don't expect to be the big winner here, we live 12 hours away and have had Season Passes for years. We make the road trip all the time and in most instances we only have time to go to the park for a day and then leave.

Wow! That is awesome you love it so much. Do you have any theme parks closer?

Tons. We usually only visit Dollywood once a year for Smoky Mountain Christmas but if you buy a season pass during SMC it's good for the following year too, so technically speaking I guess we only have a season pass every other year even though we go every year.

This year we made a Spring trip though since they opened before every other park we could drive on a weekend to and we wanted to ride Lightning Rod. It's about the furthest park we could realistically visit without taking any time off from work.

I'm amazed at how far folks will travel to come to Dollywood. I have lived within 45 minutes of the park for over 38 years and I was wondering what is the longest distance anyone's has traveled to Dollywood?

My brother and I will be traveling there from Utah in June, but Dollywood isn't the only park we're going to.

I'm amazed at how far folks will travel to come to Dollywood. I have lived within 45 minutes of the park for over 38 years and I was wondering what is the longest distance anyone's has traveled to Dollywood?

I am taking the family there for 5 days in June and we live in Las Vegas. But there's probably some TPR members that have traveled from Europe or Asia to visit Dollywood.